SAILBOAT, TUGBOAT, OR CATAMARAN
From Campbell River to Port McNeill, Campbell River, or Port Hardy
7 or 8 days (6 or 7 nights)
Catamaran Cascadia/Tugboat Swell
Maximum 24 passengers on the Cascadia
Maximum 12 passengers on the Swell
7- or 8-day coastal expedition on the catamaran Cascadia or the schooner Swell through Vancouver Island's Inside Passage from Campbell River to Port McNeill/Port Hardy
+++ Up to EUR 280 discount for new bookings made by July 31, 2026 +++
For this ship expedition along the east coast of Vancouver Island, you will board the lovingly restored schooner Swell or the comfortable catamaran Cascadia.
Your route through the wild archipelagos of the Inside Passage between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia takes you to the particularly species-rich Desolation Sound, to the Discovery Islands with their kelp forests and extensive tidal zones, and through the narrow fjords and channels of the Broughton Archipelago — past lush rainforests, secluded beaches, rushing waterfalls, and colorful wildflowers.
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Historic stilt villages, old farms, and the U'mista Cultural Center in Alert Bay offer authentic insights into the rich culture of the First Nations in these remote regions.
A nature guide is on board to provide scientific information about the landscape and wildlife, giving you a deeper understanding of the unique features of the ecosystem. The crew will also be happy to invite you onto the open bridge and show you what you need to know about navigating the labyrinthine waters.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.
Attention solo travelers: If you do not require a single cabin, shared cabins are available on board the Cascadia and the Swell. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There is no single cabin supplement.
Entry requirements: Here you will find the current entry requirements for Canada.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Desolation Sound as one of the best whale watching areas in the world for humpback whales, orcas, and porpoises
- Remote islands of the Broughton Archipelago with excellent opportunities to observe wildlife such as sea otters, sea lions, and bald eagles
- Authentic encounters with First Nations culture— including at the U'mista Cultural Center in Alert Bay
- Exciting insights into whale research at the Whale Interpretive Center in Telegraph Cove
- Guided hikes, boat excursions, and kayaking tours for a close-up experience of the untouched wilderness
Your travel region
itinerary
Advance information
Your arrival in Campbell River and your departure from Port McNeill, Campbell River, or Port Hardy are not included in your tour price.
Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We always recommend staying overnight in Campbell River to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.
Different routes & ships
We offer these coastal expeditions through Vancouver Island's Inside Passage with slightly different routes starting from Campbell River. You can choose between a catamaran tour with the Cascadia and a trip on the schooner Swell.
8 days aboard the lovingly restored schooner Swell in May through the Inside Passage of Vancouver Island
Day 1: Hike & First Impressions of the Wilderness
You begin your journey with a hike through the lush coastal forest to a viewpoint with impressive panoramic views. Afterwards, you visit secluded beaches, historic farmlands, and small uninhabited islands where you can observe seabirds and sea lions.
Day 2: Crossing the Georgia Strait & Island Exploration
As you cruise through the Georgia Strait, enjoy impressive views of the pristine coastal landscape. On land, explore the beaches of the Discovery Islands and observe the diverse wildlife of this remote region.
Day 3: Seymour Narrows & Shore Excursion to the Coastal Forest
Today you will pass the famous Seymour Narrows and historic Ripple Rock. With a little luck, porpoises will accompany your ship. On land, an excursion will take you to the rainforest coast at Port Neville. Later, you will continue through Johnstone Strait and the towering islands of the Broughton Archipelago.
Day 4: Coastal villages & First Nations culture
You will visit picturesque coastal villages and the renowned U'mista Cultural Center in Alert Bay, which impressively showcases the culture of the Kwakwaka'wakw. Along the way, you will often encounter seals, dolphins, and other marine mammals.
Day 5: Life in tune with the tides
On an excursion to the intertidal zone, you will discover the fascinating world of creatures that live in the ebb and flow of the tides.
Day 6: In search of orcas
As you cruise to the next anchorage, keep an eye out for orcasand porpoises, which are often found in these nutrient-rich waters.
Day 7: Encounters in the Broughton Archipelago
You will explore the islands of the Broughton Archipelago, meet marine researchers, and visit the charming historic stilt village of Telegraph Cove. In the evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner on board.
Day 8: Back to the harbor & whale watching
On the return trip to the harbor, you will have time to reflect on the journey. Keep an eye out for whales, which often appear in the morning sun.
7 days on the expedition catamaran Cascadia in August from Campbell River to Port Hardy
Day 1: Embarkation & first activities in Desolation Sound
Your first destination after embarking in Campbell River is the impressive Desolation Sound. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings of your first anchorage on a shore excursion or kayak tour.
Day 2: Hike through the coastal forest& fjord experience
In the morning, accompanied by your nature guide, you will take a guided walk through the coastal rainforest. You will experience picturesque island channels and tidal whirlpools – always with the majestic Coast Mountains in the background. You will travel through a spectacular fjord by dinghy. In the evening, you can stroll along the beach, go swimming, or explore the area again by kayak.
Day 3: Desolation Sound & Discovery Islands
Today, you will continue exploring the islands and bays of Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands, enjoying the unspoiled nature of this region.
Day 4: Crossing the Back Channels & Rainforest Hike
As you cruise through the Back Channels between the Discovery Islands and Johnstone Strait, keep an eye out for whales today. You will notice that the landscape has already changed significantly from the drier south to the lush rainforest in the north during a guided rainforest hike.
Day 5: Telegraph Cove & Insights into whale research
First, visit the historic stilt village of Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island and gain insights into whale research at the Whale Interpretive Center. In Alert Bay , explore the history and culture of the Kwakwaka'wakw people, including a private tour of the extensive collection of traditional ceremonial robes. Then discover the marine wildlife of the Broughton Archipelago.
Day 6: Discoveries in the Broughton Archipelago
On your penultimate day at sea, you will explore the more remote islands of the Broughton Archipelago northeast of Vancouver Island. Today you will experience kelp forests, sea lions, secluded beaches, lonely bays, and small outposts.
Day 7: Kayaking & Disembarkation in Port Hardy
In the morning, you can go on one last kayaking tour before a farewell brunchis served on board. On the return trip to Port Hardy , whales, dolphins, and other wildlife often make an appearance once again.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
May 6, 2026 – May 13, 2026
from $0 per person
8 days/7 nights
Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Campbell River, Canada Port McNeill, Canada
August 1, 2026 – August 7, 2026
from €7,004 per person
7 days/6 nights
Cascadia (Maximum occupancy: 24)
Campbell River, Canada Port Hardy, Canada
May 4, 2027 – May 11, 2027
From €4,994 €4,714 per person
8 days/7 nights
Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Campbell River, Canada Port McNeill, Canada
+++ Up to EUR 280 discount for new bookings made by July 31, 2026 +++
July 26, 2027 – August 1, 2027
from €7,346 per person
7 days/6 nights
Cascadia (Maximum occupancy: 24)
Campbell River, Canada Port Hardy, Canada
Selected date
May 6, 2026 – May 13, 2026 (8 days/7 nights)
Swell | Through wild archipelagos to the First Nations
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
August 1, 2026 – August 7, 2026 (7 days/6 nights)
Cascadia | Through wild archipelagos to the First Nations
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
May 4, 2027 – May 11, 2027 (8 days/7 nights)
Swell | Through wild archipelagos to the First Nations
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
July 26, 2027 – August 1, 2027 (7 days/6 nights)
Cascadia | Through wild archipelagos to the First Nations
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Information
Included services:
- Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
- All meals and snacks throughout the trip on board the ship
- Selected wines for dinner and a limited selection of craft beers
- Support from an experienced naturalist and professional crew
- shore excursions
- Rental equipment on board such as rubber boots, kayaks, and fishing gear
- Flights, whether scheduled or charter (except for the return flight between Vancouver and Haida Gwaii)
- Passport and visa fees
- Arrival and departure taxes
- private transfer
- Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for service personnel on board and guides (guidelines available on request)
- Fishing licenses
Important:
- Onboard language: English, English-speaking guides
- Onboard currency: CAD or US dollars, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
- Medical care: Provision of emergency systems, first aid and rescue equipment, and various communication options
Your ship during the voyage
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Your boutique expedition ship Swell | © Kevin J. Smith
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Your expedition catamaran Cascadia | © Jeffrey Reynolds
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Multifaceted coastlines | © Jeffrey Reynolds
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Orca sighting
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A black bear | © Philip Stone
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A puffin | © Jeffrey Reynolds
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Encounter with sea otters
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Excursion with dinghies
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Return at dusk | © Philip Stone
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beach walk
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Land excursion | © Jeffrey Reynolds
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Preparing for a kayaking trip | © Jeffrey Reynolds
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A waterfall on the coast
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Wildly romantic coastline
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Barbecue on the beach
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